Board of Directors
The Sonoma County Historical Society is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors whose diverse experience reflects the depth and character of our region. United by a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Sonoma County’s history, the board provides strategic leadership, oversight, and vision for the organization’s programs and initiatives. Each board member brings a unique perspective drawn from their professional background, love for history, and deep community roots, which helps ensure that the stories, landmarks, and traditions that define Sonoma County remain accessible and meaningful for generations to come.
Emily Walski
President
Emily has a background in education. She worked at elementary schools as an instructional assistant and as a history interpreter for California State Parks. Currently, Emily works for the Sonoma County Clerk-Record-Assessor. In addition to being on the board of SCHS, she also is on the board of the Filipina American Barangay (FAB), a women’s group. Emily has a BA in humanities from Dominican University and an MA in public history from Southern New Hampshire University.
Ray Johnson
Vice President
Ray Johnson developed an early interest in history through research projects as a Boy Scout, including studying biographies of individuals at Seldon Cemetery. Over the years, Ray Johnson has explored the histories of Sonoma, Sacramento, El Dorado, San Francisco, and other regions. Ray Johnson has pursued genealogy since age 15, served on the boards of the Luther Burbank and Sonoma County Genealogy Society, and was the president, but is now on the board of the SCHS.
Marian McDonald
Secretary
Marian is a retired RN who spent most of her career doing epidemiology, working to prevent hospital infections, among other adventures. She got started in nursing at Santa Rosa Junior College, and her Master’s in nursing was from Sonoma State. She first encountered world history at the age of five, when her mother explained that she was growing up in a “post-war world” and that it was taking the world a long time to recover. And she has been mindful of history ever since.
Michael Von der Porten
Treasurer
Mike’s maternal family’s long roots in Sonoma County and his father’s teaching history mean he was brought up on history. With an AS in engineering from SRJC, a BS in engineering from Harvey Mudd College, and an MBA from the University of Chicago, he brings technical and financial skills to our board. He held various positions in manufacturing and finance, spanning the high-tech and winery industries. His interests in history are diverse. He’s a 35-year docent at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, is president of the Drake Navigators Guild, and is our treasurer.
Marie McNaughton
Historian Editor
Marie is an independent interdisciplinary scholar and former lecturer at San Francisco State University (SFSU). She holds a BA in English from the University of San Francisco and an MA in humanities from SFSU, where her thesis concerned the history and architecture of Cotati. Past president and former board member of the Cotati Historical Society, she also curated displays and developed a docent training program, video history tour, and the downtown walking tour. An experienced writer, editor, and photographer, she has also worked in advertising and public relations.
John C. Burton
Director
John spent over six decades in beverage management, beginning at the Flamingo Hotel and later serving 27 years at Los Robles Lodge in Santa Rosa, where he founded a bar apprenticeship program and operated the Bartender’s School of Santa Rosa for 47 years. He coordinated events for Chateau De Baun Winery and managed his own catering business, Aperitifs. A Life Member of the United States Bartenders Guild, Burton has also authored sixteen books on Sonoma, Marin, and Napa County history and remains active in local historical organizations.
Jared Height
Director
Jared is a former Web Programs Manager for Sun Microsystems and Oracle, and the owner and founder of Cyanic Design, a web development studio. He has also served as an archivist for the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, collections volunteer at the Marin History Museum, and is currently the Brand Relations Manager for Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. Jared holds a BA and MA in history from Sonoma State University and is pursuing an MA in information science from San José State University.
Kyle Torr
Director
Kyle is a sixth-generation Sonoma County resident, having grown up along the lower Russian River and later moving to Santa Rosa. He holds a Master’s degree in history from Sonoma State University, where his thesis examined post-war urban redevelopment in downtown Santa Rosa and analyzed its effects on the landscape of the city. He has worked with several historical societies and other ad hoc history-oriented groups across Sonoma County in both professional and volunteer capacities.